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Custom Installation Magneplanar Models
Custom Installation Magneplanar : MG 1.6 The Best Value in the HighEnd Audio World
THE MAGNEPLANAR REVOLUTION Thirty years ago Magnepan produced our first loudspeaker. From that day to this, constant evolution of the proven Magneplanar design has resulted in millions of hours of joy for music lovers around the world. Today our hard work is easily seen in our current product line. Each model offering the best sound available, and performance which out classes speakers costing three to five times more.
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The Best Value in the HighEnd Audio World
Available in cherry, natural or black hardwood trim, off-white, black or grey fabric.
One of the advantages of quasi ribbon drivers is the extremely wide frequency band width. In addition to rugged power handling , the quasi ribbon driver of the MG1.6 handles over 5 octaves of the critical midrange and high frequencies (500Hz to over 24kHz). The result is low distortion and seamless ribbon clarity--a sound so clear and effortless that is has changed the thinking of thousands of audiophiles about planar speakers.
Small box speakers are very popular. We aren't designing and manufacturing large planar speakers just to be different. If we could shrink the unique sound of Magneplanars into a small box. Magneplanars would be as well-known as Bose. Despite the advances in technology, no small speaker exists that can duplicate the performance of a full-range planar speaker.
Some physicists argue that the large wave launch, low surface loudness, etc. are unique to planar speakers. The physics require the size and shape of a Magneplanar. In part, the MG1.6 offers superior sound because of its size and shape. Thousands of audiophiles see Magneplanars in a different light once they fall in love with the sound of planar speakers.
The MG1.6 offers ribbon technology and planar bass resolution at a price that some audiophiles spend for speaker cables. Musical value is what Magneplanars are all about.
MG 1.6
Description 2-Way/Quasi Ribbon Planar-Magnetic
Freq. Resp. 40-24kHz ±3dB
Rec Power Read Frequently Asked Questions see below link.
Sensitivity 86dB/500Hz /2.83v
Impedance 4 Ohm
Dimensions 19 x 65 x 2
Available in cherry, natural or black hardwood trim, off-white, black or grey fabric.
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CC3 :: Center Channel / General Purpose Speaker
The Magneplanar CC3 employs a horizontal, curved quasi-ribbon tweeter and midrange, which makes it suitable for a number of horizontal applications. All other Maneplanar models use vertically oriented line-source ribbons, which give the best dispersion when used vertically.
Multi-channel music and home theater present a challence - where do you put 5 or more speakers -- a challenge in the "real world"? Sometimes free standing speakers or even wall mounted speakers are not an option. A very nice solution to this problem is the use of 5 CC3's. Because of it's excellent horitontal dispersion, it can be placed on or in a bookcase, or cabinet, or ceiling mounted.
The CC3 operates down to 80Hz. It is all Magneplanar and does not use cones or woofers. You get the same Magneplanar sound from the critical center channel as the other channels in your system. In soundstage.com, John Potis writes, ..."The Magneplanar system is HDTV's sonic equivalent. What it does is highlight previously unnoticed ambient details that draw you into the experience to a whole new level"... "the level of detail I gleaned from the center-channel speaker was startling and revelatory."
No place for a center channel speaker? A derived center channel speaker will amaze you. The center channel image is produced by a pair of on-wall speakers (MC 1s) adjusted at 45 degrees from the way. How does that produce a center image? Think about it-- how does your stereo produce a center image with 2 speakers? A pair of MC 1s derives a center channel in the same manner. Additionally, due to the dispersion pattern of the MC 1s, when set at 45 degrees, the image will stay in the middle even if you are sitting off to the side.
How does it sound? INCREDIBLE!!! The sound does not seem to be coming out of a box or "hole" in the screen. And the dynamic range exceeds what can be accomplished with a single center channel speaker. So, if your set up allows it, we suggest you seriously consider this highly effective means of achieving a center channel image.
CC3 specifications
Description 2-Way/Quasi Ribbon Planar-Magnetic
Freq. Resp. 80-20kHz ±4dB
Rec. Power Read Frequently Asked Questions see below link.
Sensitivity 85dB/500Hz /2.83v
Impedance 4 Ohms
Dimensions 36 x 10.5 x 5.5
The Magneplanar CC3 is available in off-white, black and gray fabrics, and natural or black solid oak trim, and dark solid cherry.
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MC1: BIG Magneplanar Sound in a New Smaller Package
This Multi-Channel, 2-way planar/Quasi Ribbon speaker is designed to be attached to or placed next to a wall or cabinet. Optional floor stands are available. These speakers will normally be used in conjunction with a self-powered subwoofer in a serious music or home theater system ... or both.
The MC1 can be attached to a wall or cabinet and folded out of the way when not in use. It is the perfect solution for rooms which cannot accommodate floor standing models.
For serious audio/video systems... we encourage you to compare the MC1 to conventional speakers costing many times more.
The MC1's small size and low frequency response to 80Hz is made possible by attaching the speaker to a wall or to the side of a cabinet, which enhances the lower frequencies ... from 80Hz up, the MC1 is pure Magneplanar. The midbass to midrange and quasi ribbon high frequencies have the amazing speed and definition of all Magneplanars... The speakers are small, but the sound is big.
Although home theater is an obvious application for these speakers, they really show their stuff when used in a system that is demanding for both home theater and serious music listening. Generally, home theater sound has not been as demanding (in the purist sense) as dedicated music systems. Listen to music through the typical home theater system and you will hear what we mean. The MC1 works very well for both and enables your system to be ready for all levels of future technology for all types of listening... 2-channel Stereo, multi-channel surround music, and the best of home theater.
MC1
Description 2-Way/Quasi Ribbon Planar-Magnetic
Freq. Resp. 80-24kHz ±3dB
Rec Power Read Frequently Asked Questions see below link.
Sensitivity 86dB/500Hz /2.83v
Impedance 4 Ohm
Dimensions 10.25 x 46 x 1
Available in natural, black and dark cherry hardwood trim, with off-white, black and gray fabric options.
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Frequent Ask Question on Magnepan Loudspeaker
What amplifier, speaker cables, subwoofers, etc. work best with Magneplanars?
The staff at Magnepan have their hands full trying to keep up with our back orders, research and development, and all the demands associated with trying to stay at the forefront of our business. We understand the design issues of a good amplifier design, etc., but we simply can't do our jobs and keep up with ever-changing products. It may come as a surprise, but many of our customers have auditioned more amplifiers than we have.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive source to answer these questions. We know many of the reviewers personally and they all have their own preferences. The Internet is full of free advice, but very little consensus.
That's the bad news. The good news -- while you could make it your career to find the ultimate amplifier for your
money you want to spend, the top choice from any one of our dealers will be a winner. There are so many products available to the dealers that they can pick and choose what they want to sell. We don't know of any Magnepan dealers selling substandard amplifiers with Magneplanars. Part of the dealer's motivation to go into the business is the enjoyment of the art. If you believe they are strongly promoting a specific brand just for the money, we strongly disagree. They enjoy what they are doing; and if there is any criticism, it could be that in their exuberance, they may recommend better products than you are willing to buy.
There are a few general design recommendations we can offer:
Subwoofers - The subwoofers that move a lot of air and are impressive in a home theater demonstration are usually sloppy and become tiresome during extended music listening. If you are impressed with the subwoofer, wait a bit. The best subwoofers don't call attention to themselves but provide the most enjoyment over the long haul.
4 Ohm capacity is important in amplifier design (more on that later).
Speaker Cables - As with other ancillary equipment, we can't keep up. But we can offer this advice: a system's total performance is dependent upon on a balanced approach. Sometimes spending less in one area and more in another will result in a total performance improvement. This applies to cables and speaker wire as well as ancillary equipment.
Will my receiver drive Magneplanars?
A receiver is very efficient and cost-effective. Unfortunately, consumers want all the "bells and whistles" without understanding the importance of power supply. Everyone understands they need plenty of power, but the role of power supply is not understood. There is one important concept you need to remember when shopping for an amplifier or receiver: the power should double (or nearly double) at 4 ohms. This concept applies even if you are buying an 8 ohm speaker. If the amplifier is rated at 80 watts at 8 ohms, it should produce 160 watts at 4 ohms (or close to it). None of the receivers will do that. However, this is the benchmark of a good amplifier design.
A good receiver might produce 30-40% more power at 4 ohms. Most receiver manufacturers don't want to talk about 4 ohm rating, because they have cut the "guts" out of the products to keep the cost down. Some receivers produce the same power at 4 ohms as the 8 ohm ratings. Or they use a switch on the back for 4 ohms to prevent the receiver from self destructing. Others warn against 4 ohm speakers. Regardless of what speaker you buy, we don't recommend these receivers. There are a few manufacturers making receivers with good 4 ohm capability. We can't keep up on who's doing what. All you have to do is ask "What is the 4 ohm power rating?" If the 4 ohm rating isn't readily available, be cautious.
How much power do I need?
Individual tastes vary so greatly that a definitive answer is impossible. The most reliable way to answer this question for your needs is by visiting a dealer. If you listen to your music at a normal volume, in a room that is approximately the same size as your room, with an amplifier similar to what you plan to use, an accurate power requirement can be determined for your listening habits. The amplifier used in this test should have a similar 4 ohm rating as the amplifier you plan to use at home, but it is not necessary for it to be identical.
What is the best Magneplanar for my room?
To answer that question requires some background information. You may have noticed similar specifications for the least-to-most expensive Magneplanars are very similar. There is nothing in the specifications to justify the cost difference. More than any other performance parameter, what you are buying as you move up in the Magneplanar line is RESOLUTION (or definition). Unlike video, there are no specifications in loudspeakers for resolution. You can hear it, but it is not easily defined.
If Magnepan sold only the portion of the speaker that operated from about 200 Hz and up, the question of speaker size/room size would never come up. That type of ribbon driver would be very narrow. Most of the area of a Magneplanar is needed for bass reproduction. A large Magneplanar in small room is an aesthetic issue and and a question of bass reproduction. For mids and highs, any Magneplanar will work in a small room. If a speaker produces too much bass in a room, there are technical solutions. It is easier to solve than insufficient bass.
Buy as much Magneplanar resolution as your budget will allow. The larger Magneplanars in a small room can be smoothed out in the bass. The objection of a larger Magneplanar in a small room is usually a cosmetic issue for a family member. On that one, we can't help.
Where is the best position in my room for Magneplanars?
Each room has a sonic "sweet spot" for speakers. The sweet spot is different for each room. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut for simple trial and error.
If you have the luxury of placing your current speakers in the best spot of your listening room, then most likely the Magneplanars will sound best within a foot or so of that spot. In the "real world", consumers often have to place their speakers in a less than ideal position. They may spend thousands of dollars on a speaker and lose a significant portion of the performance on a less than ideal setup. But, real life compromises.
Often the question boils down to "How much of the Magneplanar performance will I lose by placing them in a less than ideal position?". That question is best answered by experimenting with less than ideal positioning in the dealer's showroom.
Are Magneplanars good for home theater?
See our home theater section for a complete answer. In short, high resolution sound in home theater is not appreciated in a 5-10 minute demonstration. The typical home theater demonstration is short and full of crashes, explosions and other dramatic scenes. What Magneplanars can do for home theater will take at least 20 minutes or more into a movie. The process is subtle. High resolution sound does not call attention to itself. You become more immersed in the movie and don't realize until later that Magneplanars have a seductive quality on home theater that will increase over time.
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